Nugget

Commonly referred to as “Sonic Ice”, this ice is well known for its soft and chewable texture and its ability to retain the flavor of any beverage it’s mixed with. Nugget ice is great for any foodservice establishment because it cools drinks rapidly and for a longer period of time without foaming or sticking together. This makes it the perfect choice for all beverage dispensers as well as those who love to chew ice. It is sure to enhance the enjoyment of any and all fountain drinks. Our favorite nugget ice maker is the Ice-O-Matic 85 lb. Nugget Ice Machine.

Ideal for: Carbonated Beverages • Blended Cocktails • Salad Bars • Produce Displays • Therapeutic Uses – Health Care

Flakers

Similar to the ice found in snow cones, flake ice is most commonly used in food and beverage displays. Flake ice is ideal for the presentation and preservation of seafood, produce and other perishable food items. It extends the food’s shelf life and appearance by maintaining hydration for longer and more consistently, which makes for a fresh display that will help increase sales. Flake ice is also perfect for use in bakeries, perishable food transport and various healthcare applications. For perfectly flaky ice, try the Great Northern Ice Cube Shaver.

Ideal for: Produce, Seafood, Meat Displays • Blended Cocktails • Salad Bars • Therapeutic Uses – Health Care

Bullet Ice

Bullet ice, perhaps the most versatile ice available, is round and hollow in the middle. This is the type of ice typically found in portable ice makers and can be used for everyday ice needs, such as cocktails or iced tea. For bullet ice in an attractive countertop machine, try the award-winning EdgeStar Portable Stainless Steel Ice Maker.

Cubers

Cube ice, the most common and recognizable ice form, is available in two sizes, allowing you to choose the size that best fits your customers’ needs. Cube ice is perfect ice for any occasion and compliments all of your favorite beverages by both cooling your drink and preserving its flavors. This style of ice is most popular in restaurants, bars and convenience stores. Our best-selling cube ice maker is the EdgeStar Undercounter Clear Ice Maker.

Ideal for: Mixed drinks • Carbonated Beverages • Ice Dispensing • Ice Displays • Ice Retailing • Banquet Services

• Full Cube ice cubes melt slowly and cool beverages quickly, making them ideal for usage in beverages and food services. These are also ideal for large-volume applications like bagging and bulk cooling.

• Half Cube ice is half the size of a traditional full cube and is shaped like a pat of butter. Their easy-to-handle size makes them perfect for blending drinks with a smooth finish. Because of its size it dispenses very easily, making it a perfect choice for self-service dispensing machines, as well.

Full Ice Cube

Half Ice Cube

Crescent Ice
Crescent Ice is shaped like a half-moon and moves freely in any liquid without packing together. Its unique shape allows for excellent displacement and allows liquid to flow over it more easily, so there’s no messy splashing and less waste. For a fabulous crescent ice maker, we recommend the EdgeStar Built-In Ice Maker in stainless steel & black

Gourmet Ice

Uniquely shaped, crystal clear, slow melting and odorless, gourmet ice won’t dilute the flavor of drinks. Gourmet Ice is known for its high quality and is comprised entirely of water. Gourmet Ice adds an elegant touch to beverages and ensures your cocktails won’t be tainted by melted ice. Gourmet ice is ideal for enjoying your favorite whiskey or concocting the perfect old fashioned. The Scotsman Gourmet Ice Machine is one of the most attractive gourmet ice makers on the market.

Ideal for: Bar Use • Upscale Restaurants • Waitress Stations • Banquet Service

The post Find the Perfect Ice Type for You appeared first on Appliance Wise.

For a detailed explanation of relative humidity and how it relates to air quality, visit the featured article in the Dehumidifiers Learning Center

The post What is Relative Humidity? appeared first on Appliance Wise.

Have you or someone you know used a portable air conditioner? Send us a video of your set up process and you’ll be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card!

It is completely free to submit. Simply send your video to pacvideo@compactappliance.com and you’re entered! Entries must be submitted by May 8^th and a winner will be announced on May 15^th. Click on the image below for complete contest details.

The post Win a $250 Visa Gift Card! It’s a Breeze Video Contest! appeared first on Appliance Wise.

EdgeStar 40 Pint Dehumidifier

Ideal humidity? What is that you might ask and what does that have to do with allergies? The humidity level of your home can greatly impact your allergy symptoms. A high level of water vapor in the air, or 50-60% humidity, causes mold spores, dust mites, and even pests to thrive. A dehumidifier pulls water out of the air which will in turn decreases the humidity level to prevent mold and mildew growth. You can use a digital hygrometer, like this P3 digital thermo-hygrometer, to allow you to monitor the humidity level. You should shoot for 40-50% humidity, an ideal level that will dramatically reduce air pollutants. 

Before purchasing your dehumidifier, think about the areas of you home that have the most moisture, many times this may be basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, indoor pool areas. For those that live in exceptionally humid environments the best place to use a dehumidifier might be in your kitchen or bedroom. Once you have identified which area or room you want to use your dehumidifier you can select the best unit based on the size of the room. Use the chart below as a guide to help choose the right dehumidifier. Compare with your room size and moisture level.

Many dehumidifiers are portable and easy to move allowing you to easily test where you would like to use it. You can use the unit in multiple rooms to achieve the desired humidity level. Ridding your home environment of harmful allergy triggers like mold, mildew, and dust mites can help you dramatically improve your allergy symptoms this spring season. Happy spring!

The post Dehumidify for Allergy Relief appeared first on Appliance Wise.

When shopping for a water cooler or a dispenser it is first beneficial to understand three different distinctions: cooler vs. dispenser, bottled vs. point-of-use, and freestanding vs. counter top.

Water Cooler VS. Water Dispenser

First, there’s the option of a cooler or a dispenser.  Both dispense water for use, but a cooler uses thermoelectricity to cool the water where a dispenser simply allows the water to be used from a 2, 4 or 5 gallon water bottle sitting atop the unit.

Bottled  VS. Point of Use

Continuing from your selection of a cooler or dispenser, is the option for a bottled or point-of-use unit. A point-of-use unit is fitted with a float assembly on the top where a bottle would normally sit. A hose, directed from your water source, either tap or purified, is connected to the back of the float assembly and attached to the posterior side of the cooler keeping tubing out of sight. When water is drawn, the float assembly allows water to flow back into the cooler until full, thereby providing a continuous source of water without bottle storage. Bottled water units are typically dispensers and they dispense water from 3-5 gallon bottles.

Freestanding VS. Countertop Units

Lastly, there are freestanding versus countertop units. Freestanding units are best suited for large offices, fitness centers, department stores, and salons. Ranging in height anywhere from 35’’ to  55’’ and in addition to the dispenser can include coffee makers or refrigerators.

Countertop coolers and dispensers are compact units more popularly purchased for the home or small offices. These are designed to easily fit atop tables, counters and bars without using much space. The more contemporary design of the Oasis Onyx Countertop Cooler or Primo Countertop Dispensers make these more desirable for display in small living spaces.

The post Water Coolers & Dispensers appeared first on Appliance Wise.

EdgeStar Dehumidifier

Poor performing air conditioning:

In order for the air in your home to feel cool, the air must be dry; otherwise there will be a hot sticky feeling. So when humidity levels are too high, AC units often run more than they need to, to compensate for the sticky feeling. With a dehumidifier, the excess moisture is removed from the air which keeps your AC from having to over work itself, ultimately saving you money on your electricity bill.

Indoor allergies:

Moisture in the air encourages the growth of dust mites, mold, and mildew. This can be detrimental for those who suffer from indoor allergies. Eliminating the excess moisture ensures that these harmful airborne allergies cannot thrive in your living space, giving you cleaner, safer air to breath.

Damp bathrooms or laundry rooms:

When the humidity in your home is high, an issue you may find is that your bathroom never fully dries after showers, especially if you have towels hanging to dry. Keeping a dehumidifier in the bathroom can help clear the air and ensure that towels can dry and moisture doesn’t settle on your mirrors and counter tops. It can also be helpful in laundry rooms to help clothes that may need to line dry, dry faster.

Musty odors:

When humidity is present in the air and settles on your furnishings it can cause an unpleasant musty odor from the allergens and bacteria, not to mention that gross damp feeling on your furniture and skin.

Structural integrity:

If moisture settles into the actual structure of your home it can cause floors to become creaky, paint to blister, wall paper to peel, and settling of walls that can leave cracks. If you have sliding doors, the metal frames can warp or rust which makes them hard to open and close. This is because these elements of your home are made of porous materials that absorb the excess moisture which then causes structural as well as visible damage. Keeping the humidity levels in check can prevent these issues.

Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes, from mini dehumidifiers (for closets, storage spaces, and bathrooms) to much larger commercial dehumidifier units (for restoration use), so whether you need to tend to only one room in your home, or the entire house, there is a unit that can get the job done.

The post Home Humidity Problems and How a Dehumidifier Can Help appeared first on Appliance Wise.

Click on the above image for state availability details

What is NakedWines.com?

NakedWines.com is a company that seeks to change the way wine is bought and distributed. According to Forbes.com, the website “is helping to democratize wine making by investing in talented independent winemakers from around the world.” Customers fund independent winemakers and in exchange, get exclusive wines at wholesale prices. Independent wine makers no longer have to spend time, energy and money on sales and marketing and can focus their attention on their wine making.

How does my voucher work?

With your $60 voucher, you won’t even have to become a member to redeem. With no strings attached you can choose and receive incredible wine from independent wine makers as long as you spend at least $1 of your own money. Browse the site, fill up your cart with delicious wines, add in a dollar, and voila! Hello, $60 worth of free wine on your doorstep!

Shop with us and join in on supporting this wine revolution! 

The post Knock knock. Who’s there? Free wine! appeared first on Appliance Wise.

There’s no better line of drink makers to get these parties started than Margaritaville. Unlike your everyday household blender, they shave the ice before mixing the contents of the drink thus providing a perfect frozen drink consistency every time. With Margaritaville, you’ll be serving restaurant quality drinks at home!

Here’s just a few of the recipes we’re planning to try this spring and summer with our favorite frozen drink makers.

Strawberry Sriracha Margarita

We love a hot cocktail and have all jumped on the sriracha kick lately. Try this Strawberry Sriracha Margarita for a spicy spin on a strawberry margarita.                                 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• 16 oz. (2 cups) tequila
• 2 oz. (¼ cup) Contreau or orange flavored liquor
• ½ tbs agave nectar
• ½ to 1tsp sriracha
• 2 – 3 cups Ice

Instructions:

Put ice into the ice reservoir and shave. Then, simply add all remaining ingredients to the blending jar blend and serve.

We recommend:

The Margaritaville Bahamas (DM0500). It’s perfect for your smaller, more intimate parties.

We found this recipe here

Berry Wine Smoothie

Here’s a funky recipe to get your guests raving about your creativity. There’s always going to be an attendee with a taste for something other than margaritas and this wine smoothie will surely do the trick.

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen fruit – we used a mixture of blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
1 cup white wine

Instructions:

For this recipe switch the control to blend only, add ingredients to the blending jar, blend and serve.

We recommend:

The Margaritaville Fiji (DM2000). A necessity for your next family BBQ, pool party, or beach vacation. The Fiji is quite versatile with 4 automated settings, has an ice reservoir that can hold enough ice for 3 pitchers, and of course, the shave & blend feature.

This recipe comes from here

Peach Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh peach chunks
• 3 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• 2 tbsp agave nectar
• 4 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 cups ice

Instructions:

Put ice into the ice reservoir and shave. Then, simply add all remaining ingredients to the blending jar blend and serve.

We recommend:

The Margaritaville Key West (DM1000). Perfect for the pool side or outdoor bar. With programmable settings, you can entertain guests or just relax while your drinks are blended perfectly with every recipe.

Virgin Frozen Margarita

Ingredients:

1 (6-oz) can frozen limeade concentrate
¾ cup orange juice
¾ cup grapefruit juice
2 -3 cups ice
Lime wedge
Coarse sugar

Instructions:

Put ice into the ice reservoir and shave. Then, simply add orange juice, grapefruit juice, and limeade to the blending jar blend with shaved ice and serve with lime and coarse sugar on rimmed glass.

We recommend:
The Margaritaville Tahiti (DM3000). Try the Peach Margarita and Strawberry Sriracha Margarita along with your kids’ favorite virgin drink in the Tahiti, which uses, not one, but three 24-oz blending jars.

The post Take Me to Margaritaville appeared first on Appliance Wise.

Deni Warming Tray

Warming Tray

Cooking holiday meals requires a PhD in timing.  Getting all of the food cooked so that everything is ready at the same time is nearly impossible.  Don’t let your hard work get cold!  Keep your food hot, fresh and ready to serve to your guests with this Deni triple buffet server/warming tray.

Stainless Steel Rotisserie

Rotisserie

Save the oven space for other delicious creations and cook your turkey or ham in this Ronco stainless steel rotisserie!  One of the best features is the 3 hour timer.  You can start it and not think about it again until the timer goes off.

Deni Gravy, Sauce and Syrup Warmer

Electric Gravy, Sauce, & Syrup Warmer

Prepare your gravy or sauces ahead of time and keep them warm in this  Deni electric warmer.  This is a great complement to the Deni Buffet Server (above).  No more serving cold gravy or having to reheat it in the microwave.

Broil King Single Burner

Single Burner Range

If you’re anything like me, you never have enough oven or stove space for cooking your holiday meals.  Wouldn’t it be great to have an extra cook top   You can with this Broil King professional single burner range.  It is portable so you can take it anywhere, even outside on the patio to free up some kitchen counter space.

Heart Shaped Waffle Maker

Waffle Maker

If you are hosting your family at your place over the holidays, waking up and cooking a gourmet breakfast for the crew, may not be a top priority for you. Make it quick and easy with delicious waffles. The Kalorik heart shaped waffle maker makes it simple, with lights that indicate when the waffles are done. Like warm syrup? That electric syrup warmer above should do the trick. Plus, your family should really “feel the love” as they dig into those heart shaped waffles!

I hope these products will help make your holiday meal-cooking as easy as possible, and give you more time to spend making memories with loved ones.  Eat up!

For more holiday entertaining ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

Pinterest Holiday Board

The post 5 Must-Have Products for the Holidays appeared first on Appliance Wise.

The holidays are fast approaching and it’s time to start collecting ideas and recipes for those festive feasts! For a special treat this Thanksgiving, try deep frying your turkey. If you have not fried a turkey before, small birds work best; try to keep your turkey under 15 pounds. Deep frying a turkey not only keeps the bird extremely moist, but you still have the option to season your bird by using a dry rub or injecting marinade. Frying your turkey is much faster than cooking it in the oven and it’s a good option for those with smaller kitchens because it allows you to maximize your oven space for side dishes. 

Ingredients and equipment:

• 1 turkey (12 lb)
• Turkey Fryer
• 40-60 quart pot with drain basket
• 3 gallons peanut or vegetable oil
• Fuel for fryer
• Thermometer
• Optional:  An injector to add marinades to your turkey.

Marinade ideas can vary, depending on the flavor profile of your choice:

Port Wine: Port Wine, garlic juice
Honey Beer: apple cider, honey, ale, garlic juice
Italia: Italian herbs, red wine, olive oil
Cajun: Cajun spices, medium ale, Italian salad dressing

Here are some simple steps to fry your turkey:

1. Since you will be working with a large amount of flammable oil, choose a level spot outdoors to fry your turkey.
2. In your quart stockpot, heat peanut oil to 400 degrees F.  The pot should have plenty of room left for the turkey otherwise the oil will spill over.
3. Start with a room temperature turkey (neck and giblets removed), rinse thoroughly and then pat dry with paper towels. If you are going to inject a marinade go ahead and inject it directly into both sides of the breast, the legs and thighs of the turkey. Another option is to coat your turkey with a dry rub (a basic recipe is 1 cup of salt, ¼ cup black pepper, ¼ cup garlic powder).
4. Put turkey into drain basket and slowly lower into the hot oil until it covers the turkey.
5. Maintain the peanut oil at a temperature of 350 degrees F and cook for around 45 minutes (cook time is about 3 to 3.5 minutes per pound).
6. Carefully remove the basket from the oil. Drain turkey. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature should be at least 180 degrees F.
7. Enjoy your deep fried turkey with family and friends

The post How to Deep Fry a Turkey – Tips and Tricks appeared first on Appliance Wise.